We own and operate a Diamond Hk36 TTC ECO-Dimona light aircraft as our primary manned research platform. The ECO-Dimona (registration G-GEOS) provides an excellent, low cost, platform for very high resolution remote sensing and atmospheic measurements. The aircraft possesses a number of design features specifically intended to support scientific installations, including under-wing pods, a dedicated electrical system and reserved racking and shelves in the rear cabin and instrument panel areas. General Specifications Aircraft, general specifications TYPE Diamond HK36TTC ECO Dimona Motor Glider REGISTRATION G-GEOS POWERPLANT ROTAX 914-F3 (turbocharged) 115HP PROPELLER MTV constant speed WINGSPAN 16.33m HEIGHT 1.78m LENGTH 7.28m WING AREA 15.30m2 ASPECT RATIO 17.11 MAX WING LOADING 50.30kg/m2 AEROFOIL Wortmann FX63-137 MAX TAKEOFF WEIGHT 930 KG FLIGHT CONDITIONS Day, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) only CREW 2 (pilot and observer) Performance Note: Figures below refer to podded configuration at MTOW (930kg). Due to aircraft weight limitations it is not normally possible to achieve the max range and endurance figures here whilst carrying an observer. MAX SPEED 141 kts CRUISE 94 kts SAMPLING (typical) 80 kts ENDURANCE Approx 5.5 hr (max) RANGE Approx 450 nm (max) T/O distance to 50ft 337 m GLIDE RATIO 17:1 at 65kts SERVICE CIELING 16,000 ft (with supplemental oxygen) Payload Areas and Instrument Support The aircraft as delivered from the factory is provided with a number of areas intended for the installation of additional measuring equipment; this is one of the most unique and attractive qualities of this particular platform. The aircraft is provided with optional under-wing sensor pods, racking for equipment in the rear cabin, and space in the right hand side of the instrument panel for sensor monitoring and control equipment. It is also provided with a dedicated, separate, 28 VDC electrical system for powering sensors. Under-Wing Pods The under-wing pods house most of our instrumentation and provide a very significant carrying capacity (approx 45 kg instrumentation per pod). The under-wing location is particularly useful for allowing remote sensing equipment a clear downward view without lens contamination from the engine and exhaust, and for mounting turbulence probes away from the influence of the propeller. Each pod has a basic internal metal framework as part of its basic certificatrion. We have built and certified an extension to this framework, painted yellow in the images below. Because this extended framework is now certified and of known strength etc, it greatly simplifies the mounting options and certification process for additional instrumentation. We retain the option of removing this extension if required. Rear Cabin Racking The dedicated racking in the rear cabin is capable of carrying up to 30 kg of equipment with easy access to the dedicated electrical system. This racking provides the basis for large part of our Central Services Module, which supports the scientific sensors with power, signal, network and air sample distribution, as well as system logging, monitoring and control. There is additional space and weight capacity for additional sensor support equipment. Instrument Panel, Observer's Side The observer position (right hand seat) is equipped with a cut-out area and equipment shelf rated to 13 kg of equipment. We utilise this space for the HMI elements of the Central Services Module, collectively known as the Front Science Panel. This comprises a daylight readable screen with custom built multi-function display functionality to allow the observer to monitor the progress of the flight and interface with the the scientific systems, a keyboard, and a switch panel providing control of power to certain parts of the science system data marking functions. Also embedded in this area are data-logging and microcontroller systems. Dedicated Power Supply The ECO Dimona is fitted as standard with a dedicated 28 VDC electrical system (i.e. an independent generator and batteries, along with high-level distribution) primarily reserved for additional measuring equipment. Approximately 900W of power is available for scientific equipment. Two 3-pin XLR outlets are provided in the right hand wall of the rear cabin, each protected at 15 A by circuit breaker. These are controlled by the LEFT and CENTER switches on the pilots 28 VDC switch panel.Note that a relay is in place between the aircraft’s main 14 VDC bus and the auxiliary 28 VDC bus, such that the 28 VDC system will only function if the 14 VDC master switch is ON. Summary Specifications: Pods: Max 55 kg each side (inc approx 8 kg structure) Rear Cabin: Max 30 kg Instrument Panel (RH-side):Max 13kg Dedicated Electrical System: 28VDC, approx. 900W available. Note: Due to aircraft weight limitations, it is seldom possible to use the full load carrying capacity described above whilst carrying an observer. Scientific Instruments The ECO-Dimona is capable of carrying a broad array of sensors, including remote sensing equipment, instruments for atmospheric chemistry, and meteorological sensors. The maximum theoretical scientific payload is around 130 Kg (although fuel and crew management are simpler if payload is around 80-100 Kg). Our latest equipment fit comprises 2 main elements with independent certification, Equipment Fit 2019A (EF2019A), and Equipment Fit 2019B (EF2019B), which provide both core services and specific measuring capabilities as outlined in the table below. Core Systems: Central Services Module EF19A Core services such as HMI, power conditioning and distribution, onboard network distribution, GNSS time synchronisation signal distribution, central logging and control functions, air sample distribution. It is intended that the CSM should provide the core infrastructure for current and future sensor installations without the need for redesign or re-certification of these elements with changes to sensor packages. Navigation-Alignment System EF19B Shared GNSS / INS navigation and alignment services to measuring systems. Fitted within Pod 1 (left hand side). Measuring Systems: Hyperspectral Imaging System EF19B Visible-Near Infrared hyperspectral imaging based on the NEO Hypsex VNIR1600 imager. Fitted within Pod 1 (left hand side). Photogrammetry Camera System EF19B Nadir-mounted photogrammetry camera system based around the Canon EOS 5D MkII camera (we are looking into upgrading this to a Sony A7 RII). Fitted within Pod 1 (left hand side) and co-aligned with the hyperspectral imaging system. Meteorological System EF19B A complex multi-sensor payload providing high-frequency, high quality measurements of temperature, humidity, pressure, 3D wind direction, and also CO2 concentration. Capable of measuring heat, moisture and CO2 fluxes. Fitted within Pod 1 (left hand side). Picarro precision CO2,CH4, H2O gas analyser EF19B A very high precision CRDS gas analyser for CO2 and CH4 and associated environmental, calibration and control infrastructure. Fitted within Pod 2 (right hand side). Tedlar Bag and Flask Sampling -- Tedlar bag and flask sampling systems are available, subject to some additional development. Such systems allow the collection of samples in-flight for later chemical analysis on the ground. Please Note: All sensor installations are subject to certification through the normal routes (EASA Minor, or Major, Changes). All documents relating to these modifications are maintained on our Sharepoint site. More information on each of the currently installed systems is available through the included links above, and our full sensor inventory is outlined under the Airborne Sensors page: Visit the Airborne Sensors Page This article was published on 2024-06-25
